St Helens Tn 3 Warrington 1 Ramsbottom 0 St Helens Tn 2 TWO great results in the space of four days have made Town buoyant again after a recent blip and at the final whistle at Ramsbottom on Saturday their record read: played ten, won eight, lost two.
Given they have played only four home games, they are well up with the pace as the season reaches the first quarter stage.
Their encounter with Warrington in mid-week was a mini 'classic' with fast accurate football from both sides producing numerous chances with 'keepers Wood (St Helens) and McCormack (Warrington) earning their corn.
Town's superior finishing won the day with goals from Heavey (25 mins) Cooper (40mins) and Bermingham (70 mins). Morgan's 69th minute rasper was Warrington's reply.
At Ramsbottom on Saturday the new 'mood' was evident again and they dominated for long spells against last term's third placed outfit but they still needed three top class saves from Phil Wood to keep Rammy at day.
His first came in the fourth minute when Cameron's blast arrowed for the top corner but the airborne Wood turned it over the bar for a corner which Town cleared and burst upfield to take a fifth minute lead. Paul Heavey was the marksman with a powerful downward header from Nestor's accurate cross.
Town were in charge with Salt and Ashton doing splendidly in breaking down the flanks. On 25 minutes a sweet St Helens move saw Bermingham send Cooper powering up the left but his driven cross was tantalisingly beyond the reach of Heavey's lunge.
The second goal arrived on the half hour - a nightmare for home keeper Martin Campbell, who seemed to have Cooper's shot well smothered but spilled the ball at Heavey's feet and the striker showed quick reactions to turn the gift in from a tight angle.
At the game's three quarter point Ramsbottom's Brierly got York-Robinson in with a neat 'back-heel' but the winger's drive hit the side netting. By now Town's discipline and organisation had seen them through and as Rammy realised their fate, the Knowsley Roaders took full command once more with Heavey netting again but given off side following a 'charge out' from a corner kick.
He and Cooper, their job well done departed with some 15 minutes to go and subs Wilde and Dunn began to take on the mantle and as the former cleverly won a right wing corner, Campbell in the home goal made an outstanding save from Bell's power header.
Wilde then saw his effort flash across the goal face but Town's best chance of further improving their goal difference fell in the dying minutes to Mark Ashton but he rashly blazed over from seven yards with the goal at his mercy, a pity really because his general contributions had been excellent.
Town travel to Great Harwood on Friday for a 7.45pm kick off. Coach leaves Knowsley Road at 5.30pm.
Their next home match is the visit of Atherton Collieries on Wednesday, October 24, 7.45pm. Admission is £3 and £1.50 concessions. Saints season ticket holders (free).
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